This is the biggest single segment in the book. 46 pages, 25,171 words, and that last one is a doozy. Not only do I go on and on (and on) and back again a few times about materials, cut, fitting, and suitability (matching the coat to the position, and to the frame), but also include a self-made sort of a catalog describing, showing, and detailing coats from all major makers: Creedmoor Sports, Freeland, Champion’s Choice, and Monard. It will help you. All the coats featured are rack-items. My (hesitant but thought-through) recommendation is likely to surprise you. All budgets are considered in recommendations, and criticisms.

COATS I have a collection of coats from every maker, every generation, every variety, every size (within my range), and even from some who are no longer in business. I have NRA coats and ISSF coats. Leather, nylon, canvas, and mixes. This is important to know: I have never been happy with any one of them, not completely. I have also taken them apart, sewn on them, glued on them, and have heard my local shoe repairman run out the back door of his shop when I come in carrying yet another coat with Sharpie lines drawn all over it. I've spent a lot of time with coats, and in coats.

The Shooting Coats segment in Slings & Things is all about DETAIL. It's in the text, in the presentation, and in the photographs.

Along with fit and fancy, there's also suitability, and that's a topic that gets talked into ruin within the 46 pages. Different coats are patterned not only for different body types but also for different shooting mechanics. Knowing where you fit, helps you find a coat that fits. There's also a lot in there about what to put on under the coat, and how materials choice influences more than just cost. I even weighed the daggone things.

Along with discussions and many words on cost fit, materials, adjustment, position needs, and more, there's also a catalog, of sorts, I put together on the major makers and their offerings.

All the coats are good. Slings & Things will (promise) help you to determine which looks to be the best for you and your needs.

All coats are modeled by renegade French ex-runway model, Arnot Artue.